GF Machining Demonstrated the Future of Manufacturing at IMTS

At IMTS 2018, GF Machining Solutions showcased new technologies that it are said to shape the future of the manufacturing industry. Visitors saw demonstrations of a range of milling, EDM, laser texturing, additive manufacturing and micromachining technologies, along with automation, tooling and connectivity solutions that address many manufacturing challenges. 

The visitors who experienced GF Machining Solutions' product lineup at the event represented industries including automotive, aerospace, medical, mold and die, general machining, and job shops. Demonstrations included blisk and impeller manufacturing, steering wheel molds, watch parts, and laser texturing of bone-replacement implants. 

Among the products that attracted attention at the GF Machining Solutions booth were the DMP Factory 500, a next generation additive machine co-developed through the company’s partnership with 3D Systems; the North American debut of the Mikron Mill P 500 U; a Mikron Mill E 500 U featuring a System 3R tooling and automation cell with FANUC robot; the Laser P series, including the Laser P 400 U five-axis machine; and the Cut P 350 wire EDM machine with Smart Wire technology. 

The customizable DMP Factory 500 consists of five modules. This modular design enables all modules to function continuously for efficiency and customizability. The Mikron Mill P 500 U features material removal and high stiffness for continuous machining of complex shapes and tough materials with shortened process time. Options include two spindle choices with varying speeds and power-to-weight ratios, and several rotary tilting tables to accommodate payloads of as heavy as 1,322 pounds (600 kg). 

In addition to new technologies from GF Machining Solutions itself, the company's IMTS booth also displayed Toyota Racing Development (TRD) USA’s 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion race car and a cutaway power train that was produced using an automated Mikron Mill machining cell with System 3R tooling and automation.